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Stop Trying To Decide Between A Laptop Or A Tablet – The Real Question Is, Surface Book 2 Or Surface Pro?

Microsoft has a lot to offer when it comes to hybrid laptop/tablets – but which one is right for you?

Wondering whether to purchase the Surface Pro or Surface Book 2? Think about what matters to you most. Here’s a comparison based on their capabilities, design and more.

Price

The Surface Pro costs less than the Surface Book 2. It’s available from $799 for the base model up to $2,699 for the top-of-the-line version. The Surface Book 2 is bigger and more expensive than the Surface Pro, but it offers more in terms of performance. You’ll pay between $1,499 and $2,999 for the 13-inch Surface Book 2, and between $2,499 to a whopping $3,299 for the 15-inch model. Keep in mind that the Surface Book 2 comes with a much-improved full-size keyboard, while with the Surface Pro, you’ll need to purchase the Type Cover separately ($99 to $128 depending on the one you choose).

Power

Both the Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro are performers when it comes to power. However, the Surface Book 2 is a workhorse that outperforms the Surface Pro and most similar laptops on the market today. The Surface Book 2 uses Intel’s latest eighth-generation processor, while the Surface Pro (2017) features Intel’s seventh-generation processors. (Note: You can opt to get a Surface Book 2 with a seventh-generation chip, but if you’re doing this for cost purposes, you’ll probably be happier with the Surface Pro with a Core i7 processor.)

Battery Life

Longer battery life is perhaps one of the most requested features when it comes to mobile devices, and neither device will disappoint in this respect. However, the Surface Book 2 is a more suitable choice when it comes to battery life. The newest Surface Pro provides nearly 14 hours of battery life, whereas Microsoft promises up to 17 hours of battery life from the15-inch Surface Book 2.

Graphics

The Surface Book 2 outperforms the Surface Pro in terms of graphics. The Surface Book 2 comes with two graphics processors, a NVIDIA GTX 1050 on the 13-inch model, and an NVIDIA GTX 1060 on the 15-inch model. However, the Surface Pro provides a decent graphics experience with an Intel HD Graphics 620 or Iris Plus Graphics 640, yet these can’t compare to the graphics components in the Surface Book 2.

Screens

The Surface Book 2 has an Intel HD 620 GPU, making it a great choice for high-end graphics works. This is what makes the Surface Book 2 standout. The screen offers a 3:2 ratio with 3000 x 2000 pixels at 267 pixels per inch. However, both the 13-inch Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro have the same 267 pixels-per-inch (PPI) density. Either of these devices will deliver excellent colors, contrast, and brightness.

Memory and Storage

Both the Surface Pro and Surface Book 2 provide configurations up to 16GB of memory and up to 1TB of internal storage. The Surface Pro comes with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, and you can upgrade to 1TB for an additional $50. With the Surface Book 2, you can save hundreds of dollars by opting for the 256GB storage option rather than a 1TB one.

Weight

The Surface Pro is 1.69 pounds without a keyboard so you’ll never feel like you’re carrying a computer in your backpack. The Surface Book 2 weighs 4.2 pounds if you get the 15-inch model, and 3.62 pounds if you choose the 13-inch.

Cameras

The Surface Pro comes with two cameras for taking photos and recording video: an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. Both cameras can record HD videos in widescreen mode. The Surface Book 2 models all come with a forward facing 5-megapixel camera, and an 8-megapixel camera in the rear that can record in HD at 1080p resolution.

Ports

If port availability is what you’re looking for, the Surface Book 2 wins.

Ports are sparse on the Surface Pro because of its limited size, so it only has a single USB Type-A, mini DisplayPort, and microSDXC card reader. However, there is a headset jack, and a Surface connector (for power and docking). The Surface Book 2 includes a USB Type-C, two USB Type-A’s, and a full-size SDXC card reader. It has a full-sized USB 3.0 port, a mini-DisplayPort for video, an SD card slot, and an audio jack. Except for the audio jack, all the ports are on the keyboard base so they won’t come along with you when you detach the screen.

The Bottom Line is What Matters to You the Most.

The work you’ll be doing is the ultimate deciding factor when selecting between the Surface Pro and Surface Book 2. If you’ll be using graphic-intensive apps, and if you want to play today’s computer games, you’ll want to choose the Surface Book 2. If you need a device with more battery life, this is your best bet as well.

However, if you want an easy-to-carry, lighter computer for everyday use to use for email, web browsing, and document editing, the Surface Pro is probably your best choice.